Opera Theatre of Saint Louis' La Traviata

"Here it is so achingly beautiful, you'll be wiping a tear from your eye long before Violetta ascends to her reward...For this, blame Sydney Mancasola...(who) with this performance emerges as a full-blown star. Her voice is so pure and so powerful it could persuade angels to switch sides. But she doesn't rest on vocal technique. She absolutely inhabits the part, making a completely convincing Violetta. Even when the libretto doesn't really give much explanation for Violetta's various changes of heart, this talented performer pulls you along...It's a marvelous trick, being able to convincingly portray terrible weakness even while your voice remains strong. Mancasola pulls it off"

SARAH FENSKE, RIVERFRONT TIMES

"Since Racette has brought multiple versions of Violetta to the stage it should come as no surprise that she has taken great care in turning the role over to Sydney Mancasola, a promising and powerful soprano whose decimating turn in the lead role will undoubtedly propel her to greater heights."

ROB LEVY, REVIEWSTL.COM

"Within this beautiful frame we are treated to some astonishing voices. Sydney Mancasola brings to the role of Violetta not only a stellar voice, but also the stunning beauty that Violetta should have. She deftly manages the coloratura vocal acrobatics that the role demands. She shines like a silver thread above the chorus. And how can that slender body contain the power she brings to those perfect high-notes?"

STEVE CALLAHAN, BROADWAYWORLD.COM

"Sydney Mancasola not only looks stunning as the free-spirited Violetta but also shapes her wonderful soprano around Verdi’s soaring arias for his leading lady. She also displays a strong chemistry with Geoffrey Agpalo, a tenor who shows conviction in the part of the devoted young lover Alfredo as well as demonstrating his own musical talent in the role. Both performers offer convincing portrayals of opposites attracting.

MARK BRETZ, LADUE NEWS

“ Soprano Sydney Mancasola is beautiful and slender, with a true and well-produced instrument. Sympathetic as the doomed courtesan, she brought out Violetta’s strength as well as her vulnerabilities in a well-rounded performance."